How To Layer Skincare Products Like A Pro
Learning how to layer skincare products correctly, instead of slapping them on any old way, can boost the effectiveness of each product and improve your skin’s appearance overall. Need a hand figuring out what to apply when? We’ve put together the basics on how to layer skincare products like a pro.
Even if you use more or fewer products than we’ve listed below; the golden rule of skincare application is to apply the lightest products first working up to the heaviest. Use this as a guide when working with the products you have in your beauty stash.
Layer 1: Cleanser
It kinda goes without saying that a good cleanser is first up in your skincare routine. Using the right cleanser, no matter your skin type helps clear the build-up of dirt, sweat and bacteria that finds its way onto our faces during the day or overnight. It creates a clear canvas for the products to follow, allowing them to absorb more easily.
We recommend - Cardamon + Acai Oil Cleanser. It not only cleanses beautifully thanks to a bunch of nourishing ingredients like Almond Oil and Ylang Ylang Oil it also smells totally divine!
Layer 2: Toner
Toner may not be on everyone’s skincare list, but if you have big pores and oily, acne-prone skin, we definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Toner helps tighten pores and draws out any remaining impurities that the cleanser may have left behind. It’s great as an extra cleansing step after wearing heavy makeup or thick sunscreen. It also helps restore the PH balance of your skin.
We recommend - Mint + White Willow Bark Toner. Contains the natural astringent Witch Hazel to help smooth out pores and fight the inflammation of acne and blemishes.
Layer 3: Serum
Serums don’t mess around. They deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients such as antioxidants and peptides than moisturisers do, which provide significant anti-ageing benefits. Serums can penetrate deeply into the skin because they’re made up of tiny molecules. Serums are lighter than moisturisers, which is why they’re applied at this point and not intended to replace your daily moisturiser, but rather supplement it. If you’re not using one already, there are some big, beautiful benefits to be gained by adding a serum to your routine.
Layer 4: Moisturiser
The moisturising layer is all about hydration, hydration, hydration. Moisturisers contain emollients, the ingredients in skincare than lock in moisture and soften skin. When the top layer of your skin dries out, the skin cracks and flakes off. Emollients fill up those cracks with lipids (fatty substances) making the skin smoother and softer.
Use this step to spend a few minutes treating your face to a mini massage! Slowly massage the moisturiser into your skin in an upwards and outwards motion. Applying it after the serum also helps seal in the goodness of the serum and maximise its effects.
We recommend - Frankincense and Ginseng Moisturiser. Great for all skin types except sensitive skin.
Layer 5: Face oil
Face oils help maintain and strengthen skin, keeping it hydrated and more resilient. Some face oils can be used with or instead of moisturiser; if you use both, the face oil should come after moisturiser Face oils act like a barrier, locking in all the nourishing and hydrating properties of the other products while keeping damaging free radicals out.
We recommend - Lemon Myrtle Rose Face Oil. Containing the Omega 3, 6 & 9 and rich Baobab Oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin without clogging pores.
Layer 6: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the absolute non-negotiable layer in the list if you’re serious about keeping wrinkles at bay. Preventing the visible signs of premature ageing is one of the most convincing reasons to include sunscreen in your daily routine! Opt for a broad spectrum natural sunscreen, they’re as effective as chemical sunscreens with way fewer toxins. Oh, and just because it’s Winter doesn’t mean you can skip this step! No matter the season: sunscreen.
Use the above as a guide but keep in mind skincare is personal; you can figure out what works best for you by seeing how your skin responds and switching it up if necessary!